Homebrew Octofolk Species Details

"People called her the witch of the sea, but she didn't seem half bad." ... "She was no sea witch, she was a lot of things; a genius, a scientist, a merchant and a cold-blooded murderer. Zagrar wasn't committed enough towards his goals and death was his punishment."

- From the journal of a merchant

Octofolk are intelligent, space-faring half-octopus humanoids. They appear to be human or elven from the waist up, with only a few features that may reveal their demihuman nature: purplish or grayish skin, spots, or even rocky ridges along their back and base of their neck. From the waist down, octofolk have eight tentacles arranged in a pattern similar to those of a mundane octopus.

Obsessive Compulsive Researchers

Octofolk are extraordinarily inquisitive beings. Once their curiosity sets its sight on something, it’s hard to shake them of this interest. Some see this singular devotion to a subject as cold and callous, as an octofolk tends to ignore moral and ethical consequences when pursuing their interests. However, octofolk believe that their work–no matter who gets harmed along the way–is for the greater good of all creatures across the multiverse.

Distant Cousin of Mindflayers

While the true origins of mindflayers and octofolk remain a mystery, it’s commonly believed that the two species share a common ancestor. Oddly, the two species rarely cross paths, and when they do, they mostly react towards one another with apathy and occasionally passing curiosity. Fortunately, octofolk don’t share the same interest in enslaving lesser beings that mindflayers do. Unless, of course, it serves their interests.

Water World Traders

While octofolk are rarely motivated to conquer or establish colonies, they do enjoy trading in objects that they desire, especially those that pique their unique interests. Nearly every water-based planet in the multiverse has a presence of octofolk in some form or another. In addition, octofolk are incredibly proficient at getting whatever is needed to make a trade go through. However, should trade relations turn sour, octofolk are quick to threaten and attack.

 

Octofolk Traits

As an octofolk, you have the following characteristics in common with all other octopodes:

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Age

Octofolk mature extraordinarily fast, reaching adulthood when they are only ten years of age. They also live longer lives than most other humanoid species, typically living around 200 years.

Alignment

Octofolk rarely consider the ramifications of their own actions beyond their obsessive interests. For this reason, most octopodes are true neutral.

Size

Octofolk vary widely in height and build. The shortest octofolk stand just under 5 feet tall, while some of the tallest can be up to 7 feet. They are often dense, weighing a little more than humans of the same height. Your size is Medium.

Speed

You have a base walking speed of 30 feet, and a swim speed of 30 feet.

Amphibious

You can breathe both air and water.

Darkvision

Accustomed to life in trenches and deepwater areas, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Tentacles

• You have two “minor arm” tentacles. These tentacles can be used to lift a number of pounds equal to five times your Strength score. You can use these to do the following simple tasks: lift, drop, hold, push, or pull an object or a creature; open or close a door or a container; grapple someone, or make an unarmed strike. Your DM might allow other simple tasks to be added to that list of options.
• You have six “leg” tentacles. These tentacles help you walk, swim, and do anything else that a humanoid can do with its legs. However, the extra four “legs” give you advantage on Strength throws against being knocked prone.

Underwater Camouflage

You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made while underwater.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Aquan, and one other language of your choice.